System and apparatus for storage and use of dumbbells

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus to store and facilitate the safe simultaneous use of dumbbells by multiple individuals.

This invention relates to exercise equipment and methodology.

More particularly, the invention relates to apparatus for storing and using dumbbells.

Racks for storing dumbbells are well known in the art. However, as has been demonstrated many times in the Patent Office, existing apparatus and methods often can be improved by utilizing an unidentified, unanticipated combination which provides functions that are unpredictable in view of the prior art.

Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide an improved system to store and utilize dumbbells.

Therefore, it is a principal object of the invention to provide an improved system to store and utilize dumbbells.

These and other, further and more specific objects and advantages of the invention are set forth below, in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a dumbbell rack system constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top illustrating the dumbbell rack system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating the dumbbell rack system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating the saddle of a dumbbell saddle unit constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention and further illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7;

FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating the shelf of the dumbbell saddle unit of FIGS. 6 and 7 and the mode of operation thereof;

FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a dumbbell saddle unit;

FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating the mode of operation of the dumbbell saddle unit of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an elevation view illustrating a dumbbell rack system constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the dumbbell rack system of FIG. 8 illustrating further construction details thereof; and,

FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating the power zone of individuals of various gender and height.

Briefly, in accordance with the invention, we provide an improved method for an individual to prepare for and conduct an exercise using dumbbells while minimizing the risk of injury during the acquisition, use, and return of the dumbbells. The individual has a power zone, first and second sides, and a pair of hands. The method includes the step of providing a staging station. The staging station comprises a first side; a second side; a first tower including at least first and second generally horizontally oriented spaced apart support tiers, the first tier at a first elevation, the second tier at a second elevation different from the first elevation; a second tower including at least third and fourth generally horizontally oriented spaced apart support tiers, the third tier at said first elevation, the fourth tier at said second elevation, the second tower spaced apart from the first tower such that an individual can enter from the first side of the staging station, walk between the towers, and exit on the second side of the staging station; and, a plurality of dumbbells. The dumbbells each have a center of gravity; include a first pair of dumbbells of equivalent shape, dimension, and weight, each of said pair mounted on a different one of the first and third support tiers such that the center of gravity of each of the dumbbells mounted on the first and third tiers is at an elevation above the ground in the power zone of the individual, and the first pair of dumbbells are generally parallel to one another; and, include a second pair of dumbbells of equivalent shape, dimension, and weight, each of the second pair mounted on a different one of the second and fourth support tiers such that the second pair of dumbbells are generally parallel to one another. The improved method also includes the steps of entering from the first side of the staging station and walking between the first and second towers such that the individual is between the first pair of dumbbells and each of the individual's first and second sides is parallel to the first pair of dumbbells; grasping each of the first pair of dumbbells with one of the individual's hands and lifting the first pair of dumbbells off the first and third tiers; walking out from between the first and second towers and exiting at the second side of the staging station; and, utilizing the first pair of dumbbells to perform an exercise.

In another embodiment of the invention, we provide an improved method for first and second individuals to prepare for and conduct an exercise simultaneously using dumbbells while minimizing the risk of injury during the acquisition, use, and return of the dumbbells. Each of the individuals has a power zone; first and second sides; and, a pair of hands. The improved method includes the step of providing a first staging station including a first side; a second side; a first tower including at least first and second generally horizontally oriented spaced apart support tiers, the first tier at a first elevation in a inward orientation, the second tier at a second elevation different from the first elevation and in an inward orientation; and, a second tower. The second tower includes at least third and fourth generally horizontally inwardly oriented spaced apart support tiers. The third tier is at the first elevation in an inward orientation. The fourth tier is at the second elevation in an inward orientation. The second tower is spaced apart from the first tower such that an individual can walk from the first side to a position between the first and second towers with the individual's entire body in a space intermediate said first and second towers; can, while intermediate the first and second towers, access the first and third tiers; and walk out from between the first and second towers to the second side of the first staging station. The first staging station also includes a plurality of dumbbells. The dumbbells each have a center of gravity; include a first pair of dumbbells of equivalent shape, dimension, and weight, each of the first pair mounted on a different one of said first and third support tiers such that the center of gravity of each of the dumbbells mounted on the first and third tiers is at an elevation above the ground in the power zone of each individual, and the first pair of dumbbells are generally parallel to one another. The dumbbells also include a second pair of dumbbells of equivalent shape, dimension, and weight. Each of said second pair are mounted on the second tier adjacent one another. The improved method also includes the step of providing a second staging station. The second staging station includes a first side; a second side; a third tower including at least fifth and sixth generally horizontally oriented spaced apart support tiers. The fifth tier is at a first elevation in an inward orientation. The sixth tier is at a second elevation different from the first elevation and in an outward orientation. The second staging station also includes a fourth tower including at least a seventh generally horizontally inwardly oriented spaced apart support tier. The seventh tier is at the first elevation in an inward orientation. The third tower is spaced apart from the fourth tower such that an individual can walk from the first side of the second staging station to a position between said third and fourth towers with the individual's entire body in a space intermediate said third and fourth towers; can access the fifth and seventh tiers; and, can walk out from between the third and fourth towers to the second side of the second staging station. The sixth tier is accessible by an individual standing on the first side of the second staging station. The second staging station also includes a plurality of dumbbells. The dumbbells of the second staging station each have a center of gravity; and, include a third pair of dumbbells of equivalent shape, dimension, and weight. Each of the third pair of dumbbells is mounted on a different one of the fifth and seventh support tiers such that the center of gravity of each of the dumbbells mounted on said fifth and seventh tiers is at an elevation above the ground in the power zone of the individual, and such that the third pair of dumbbells are generally parallel to one another. The dumbbells of the second staging station also include a fourth pair of dumbbells of equivalent shape, dimension, and weight. Each of the fourth pair is mounted on the sixth tier adjacent one another. The improved method also includes the steps of positioning the second staging station normal to the first staging station on the second side of the first staging station such that the sixth tier is accessible to an individual standing in the first staging station between the first and third tiers; having a first individual walk from the first side of the first staging station into the first staging station between the first and third tiers and grasp the fourth pair of dumbbells; and, simultaneously with the first individual walking into the first staging station, having a second individual walk into the second staging station and grasp the third set of dumbbells, and walk out of the second staging station.

In a further embodiment of the invention, we provide an improved method for an individual to prepare for and conduct an exercise using dumbbells while minimizing the risk of injury during the acquisition, use, and return of the dumbbells. The individual has a power zone; first and second sides; and, a pair of hands. The method includes the steps of providing a staging station. The staging station includes a first side; a second side; a first tower including at least first and second fixed generally horizontally oriented spaced apart support tiers, the first tier at a first elevation, the second tier at a second elevation different from the first elevation; a second tower including at least third and fourth generally horizontally oriented spaced apart support tiers, the third tier at the first elevation, the fourth tier at the second elevation, the second tower spaced apart from the first tower such that an individual can enter from the first side of the staging station, walk between the towers, and exit at the second side of the staging station; at least one dumbbell stand on the first fixed tier and shaped and dimensioned to receive a dumbbell and rotate about a vertical axis simultaneously with the dumbbell; and, a plurality of dumbbells. The dumbbells each have a center of gravity; and, include a first pair of dumbbells of equivalent shape, dimension, and weight. Each of the first pair of dumbbells is mounted on a different one of the first and third support tiers such that the center of gravity of each of the dumbbells mounted on the first and third tiers is at an elevation above the ground in the power zone of the individual; and, such that the first pair of dumbbells are generally parallel to one another. The dumbbells in the staging station also include a second pair of dumbbells of equivalent shape, dimension, and weight. Each of the second pair of dumbbells is mounted on a different one of the second and fourth support tiers such that the second pair of dumbbells is generally parallel to one another. One of the dumbbells in the staging station is mounted on the stand on the fixed first tier. The improved method also includes the steps of entering from the first side of the staging station and walking between the first and second towers such that the individual's entire body is between the first pair of dumbbells and each of the individual's first and second sides is parallel to the first pair of dumbbells; grasping each of the first pair of dumbbells with one of the individual's hands, rotating the one of the dumbbells and the stand about a vertical axis, and lifting the first pair of dumbbells off the first and third tiers; exiting out from between the first and second towers by walking out the second side of the staging station; and, utilizing the first pair of dumbbells to perform an exercise.

Turning now to the drawings, which are presented by way of explanation and not limitation of the invention, and in which like reference characters refer to corresponding elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate a staging station including a pair of spaced apart towers 11 and 12 including support tiers 13, 14, 20, and 21. Spaced apart tiers 13 and 14 are each at the same elevation, or height above the ground. Spaced apart tiers 20 and 21 are each at the same elevation. The elevation of tiers 13 ad 14 is greater than that of tiers 20 and 21. Dumbbells 17 and 18 are removably mounted on tiers 14 and 13, respectively. Dumbbells 15 and 16 are removably mounted on tiers 20 and 21, respectively. Dumbbell 17 is equivalent in weight and shape and dimension to dumbbell 18. Dumbbell 15 is equivalent in weight and shape and dimension to dumbbell 16. Dumbbells 15 and 16 are the heaviest dumbbells in the staging station and are placed on the support tiers 20 and 21 that are positioned at the optimum height to reduce the risk of injury to an individual 22 utilizing the staging station. Dumbbells 15 and 16 are, when the hands of individual 22 are in the neutral position, positioned adjacent the hands to facilitate removal of dumbbells 15 and 16 from the staging station. Tiers 20 and 21 position the dumbbells 15,16 in the power zone of most individuals of average height and weight so that when an individual 22 walks into and stands upright in the staging station in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 with his or her arms handing loosely at his or her side 23 or 24, the individual's hands typically are each located at an elevation above the ground that is equivalent to or within a few inches above or below the bars 15A, 16A of dumbbells 15, 16 that the individual grasps with his hand to lift dumbbell 15, 16 off its respective tier 20, 21. Individual 22 has, as noted, a first side 23 and a second side 24 that is spaced apart from and generally parallel to first side 23. In FIGS. 1 to 3, sides 23, 24 of individual 22 are generally parallel to dumbbells 15, 16, 17, 18.

In use of the staging station of FIGS. 1 to 3, an individual walks into the staging station with his or her arms hanging loosely at his or her sides, stands with his or her sides 23 and 24 generally parallel to the dumbbells in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, and stands with his or her hands beside the bars of the matched (i.e., in weight and shape and dimension) pair of dumbbells 15, 16, 17, 18 that the individual wishes to utilize. The individual then grasps the bar of each dumbbell with a different hand, lifts the dumbbells off their respective support tiers, and leaves the staging station. The individual 22 can walk forwardly into the staging station or can back into the staging station so the individual can, when leaving the staging station, back out of the staging station or walk forwardly out of the staging station, respectively. If individual 22 wishes to remove dumbbells that are located on support tiers that are below tiers 13 and 14, the individual must bend his or her knees (preferably with the individual's back substantially erect) and squat to reach the dumbbells.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an individual 22 standing in the staging station and reaching slightly forward to grasp a dumbbell. While this procedure is practiced by some individuals, it is preferred that before an individual 22 grasps a dumbbell that is on a support tier in the staging station, the individual be standing with his hands adjacent the desired dumbbells such that the individual need not reach forward to grasp the dumbbells but only need to move his hands a short distance outwardly away from his sides (and not forwardly or rearwardly from his sides) to grasp and lift the dumbbells upwardly off their respective support tiers.

If desired, each tier 13, 14, 20, 21 in the staging station can be supplied with a saddle unit that facilitates lifting a dumbbell upwardly from the tier or that facilitates rotating the dumbbell about a vertical axis that generally is perpendicular to the ground or to the tier, or both. The saddle unit can be constructed as desired and can, for example, be integrally formed with a tier 13, be permanently attached to a tier 13, or can simply removably rest on a tier 13. In one embodiment of a saddle unit constructed in accordance with the invention, a tier is provided with a smooth, low friction surface that permits a dumbbell to be easily turned about a generally vertically oriented axis while the lower portions of the cylindrical weights on the dumbbells continue to contact and slide over the low friction surface. The ability to turn a dumbbell on a support tier enables a user to position the dumbbell as such to achieve neutral postures of the upper extremities, particularly the wrist, before removing the dumbbell from the support tier. The wrist is in a neutral position when it is not bent and the back of the hand is in alignment with the back of the wrist such that the back of the hand and back of the wrist generally lie in the same plane.

Another possible saddle unit 40 is illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7. The uppermost panel member, or “saddle”, 35 of unit 40 includes concave detents or grooves 36, 37 shaped such that a portion of the cylindrical ends of a dumbbell each conform to and seat in a different one of grooves 36, 37. Arcuate slots 32, 33 are formed in and extend through a fixed support tier 31 (e.g., or support tier 13, 14, 20, etc.), each slidably receive a hollow leg 47 and 46, respectively, and permit saddle unit 40 to be pivoted with respect to tier 31 in the manner indicated by arrows A and B in FIG. 4. When unit 40 and, consequently, legs 47 and 46 pivot in the directions of arrows A and B, the legs slide along grooves 32 and 33. When lower portions of the cylindrical ends of a dumbbell are each removably seated in and engage one of groove 36 and 37 and a user grasps and rotates or pivots the bar of each dumbbell such that the ends of the dumbbell move in the directions indicated by arrows A and B, the user simultaneously rotates the dumbbell, panel member 35, legs 46 and 47, base 43, feet 39 and 42 fixedly attached to base 43, and springs 41 and 45. Such pivoting enables a user to rotate a dumbbell (along with the noted portions of saddle unit 40) to a more ergonomic, customized position accommodating the individual's neutral wrist posture prior to lifting the dumbbell from a shelf.

Neck 44 (FIGS. 6 and 7) is fixedly secured to the bottom of tier 31. Base 43 is spaced apart from and parallel to member 35 and is pivotally secured to the bottom of neck 44 such that base 43 can pivot about neck 44 in the directions of arrows A and B (FIG. 4). Feet 39 and 42 each slidably extend upwardly into an aperture formed in legs 46 and 47, respectively. The upper end of spring 41 is secured to the bottom of leg 46. The lower end of spring 41 is secured to base 43. The upper end of spring 45 is secured to the bottom of leg 47. The lower end of spring 45 is secured to base 43. When a dumbbell is seated in grooves 36 and 37 and resting on member 35, the weight W of the dumbbell compresses springs 41 and 45 from the position depicted in FIG. 6 to the position illustrated in FIG. 7, causing member 35 to move closer to support tier 31, and causing legs 46 and 47 to slide downwardly over feet 39 and 42, respectively. When the dumbbell is lifted from member 35, springs 41 and 45 expand and cause member 35 move upwardly from the position shown in FIG. 7 to return to the position. illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the invention comprising an apparatus and method for individuals to prepare for and conduct an exercise using dumbbells while minimizing the risk of injury during the acquisition, use, and return of the dumbbells. In FIG. 8, individual 22 is facing in a direction opposite that of FIG. 9.

The apparatus of FIGS. 8 and 9 includes multiple staging stations including a first staging station comprising spaced apart towers 50 and 51, a second staging station comprising spaced apart towers 52 and 53, and a third staging station comprising spaced apart towers 75 and 76.

The second staging station is position in an orientation that is generally perpendicular to and intermediate the first and third staging stations.

The first staging station has a first side 73 and a second side 74. If the first staging station were utilized standing alone, an individual could enter and exit the first stating station via either side 73 and 74. In FIGS. 8 and 9, however, tower 53 of the second staging station blocks side 74 so that an individual can enter and exit the first staging station only from side 73. If the first staging station is placed against a wall, then, in a similar manner, an individual can enter and exit the first staging station from one side only.

In the second staging station, tower 53 includes fixed tiers 65, 66, and 67. Tower 52 includes fixed tiers 55, 56, 57. Dumbbells 68, 69, 70 rest on tiers 65, 66, 67, respectively. Tiers 56 and 66 are at equivalent heights above the ground. Tiers 57 and 67 are at equivalent heights above the ground. Dumbbells 58, 59, 60 rest on tiers 55, 56, 57, respectively. Dumbbells 59, 69 are equivalent in weight and shape and dimension. Dumbbells 60 and 70 are equivalent in weight and shape and dimension. Dumbbells 58 and 58A (FIG. 9) are equivalent in weight and shape and dimension. Dumbbells 68 and 68A are equivalent in weight and shape and dimension. It is possible for an individual 22 to utilize a first dumbbell of a first weight and/or shape and dimension in one hand and to utilize simultaneously in the other hand a second dumbbell having a weight or shape and dimension different from the first dumbbell. This is unusual. Dumbbells ordinarily are utilized in matched pairs. It is also, as is well known, common practice to utilize one dumbbell to perform exercises with a single arm at a time (e.g., bent over row, front and lateral deltoid raises, triceps extension, etc.).

In FIG. 9, an individual 22 has entered and walked into the second staging station (towers 52 and 53) in the direction of arrow C from first side 71. After the individual 22 grasps and removes a pair of dumbbells from towers 52 and 53, he or she walks out from and exits the staging station via side 72 in the direction of arrow D. When individual 22 is in the second staging station his sides 23 and 24 are generally parallel and adjacent to dumbbells 69, 70, 59, 60 and to the bars in said dumbbells that individual 22 grasps to hold the dumbbells. One particular advantage of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 is that while a first individual 22 is in the second staging station, a second individual 22A in the third (or first) staging station can simultaneously make use of the second staging station by grasping, removing, and utilizing dumbbells 68, 68A (or 58, 58A). Individual 22A also has the option of removing and utilizing dumbbells stored on tiers on the third staging station.

In FIGS. 8 and 9, the construction of tower 50 is, except for tier 65 and its accompanying support arm 65A, equivalent to that of tower 53; and, the construction of tower 51 is, except for tier 55 and its accompanying support arms 55A, equivalent to that of tower 52, although this need not be the case. In one embodiment of the invention, the construction of the towers 50-53 is equivalent and of towers 51-52 is equivalent while different matching pairs of dumbbells are utilized. For example, towers 50 and 51 utilize one matched pair of dumbbells that each weigh forty pounds and another matched pair of dumbbells that each weigh sixty pounds, while towers 52 and 53 utilize one matched pair of dumbbells that each weigh thirty pounds and another matched pair of dumbbells that each weight fifty pounds. In FIG. 9, the construction of tower 50 is equivalent to that of tower 76. The construction of tower 51 is equivalent to that of tower 75. In FIG. 8 a tier and support arm comparable to tier 55 and support arm 55A has been added to tower 75 to produce tower 75A. As would be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the shape and dimension of a tower 52, 53 and the tiers 66, 67, etc. in the tower can vary as desired as long as the tiers and tower carry out the function of supporting at least one dumbbell.

When an individual is standing with his or her arms hanging relaxed at his or her side, the power zone extends from his or her nipples down to the knuckles of the hands. When a dumbbell or other object grasped by a standing individual is in the power zone, the risk of injury is reduced. When the dumbbell is outside the power zone, the individual is physically in a less stable more compromised position and the risk of injury is greater. This is particularly the case as the weight of the dumbbell increases. The propensity of individual's to injury themselves while lifting objects is well documented.

One important object of the invention is to reduce the risk of injury by placing dumbbells in the power zone or by encouraging individuals to bend their knees and squat-instead of bending over and arching the back-while reaching forwardly to pick up dumbbells (or adopting numerous other awkward and taxing postures which often include twisting and asymmetric loading that increase the probability of injury). When an individual is in the first staging station (towers 50 and 51) in FIG. 9, it is difficult—if not, practically speaking impossible—for an individual 22 to bend over to grasp dumbbells that are on tiers located below the individual's waist. The individual has to bend his knees to lower his hands to reach such dumbbells. That is similarly the case in FIGS. 2 and 3 in the event the individual 22 attempts to remove, while facing wall 81, dumbbells 82 and 83. Wall 81 interferes with any significant forward bending by individual 22.

Another important object of the invention is, when desired, to enable a matching pair of dumbbells to each be placed in the power zone at or near an individual's hands while the user maintains a largely neutral posture. An overall neutral posture is specified by an individual standing erect (allowing for a slight bend in the knee), facing forward with arms hanging freely at each side and generally aligned with the frontal plane (i.e., no twisting of the trunk or other sustained innervated deviations). In this positions, the hands are said to reside at “knuckle height” which falls in the area of the quadriceps for most individuals. From this natural, stable configuration, three ergonomic benefits emerge. First, the hands are in position such that a minimal amount of movement is required to grasp and remove one or more dumbbells from its supporting tier. Second, it is more likely that the individual will retain proper upright posture, forgoing the bending movement that places significant stress on the lumbar region of the spine, and use his or her legs to support and manipulate the dumbbells' load. Third, the vertical distance is minimized between the supporting tier and a safe, intuitive carry position for the users, also reducing the work (governed by the equation Work=Force*Distance). In aggregate, these contribute significantly to a reduction in the risk of injury while dumbbells are being removed from tiers in a staging station.

Another important feature of the invention that reduces the risk of injury is the ability of an individual to walk through a dumbbell staging station instead of having to approach a dumbbell rack, grasp dumbbells, and then back away from the rack with dumbbells in hand. The walk-out capability contributes to safety by vastly improving the individual's ability to leverage his or her visual channel to continuously inspect, plan, and adapt his or her path to the area into which he or she will ambulate. It is anticipated that an individual normally will walk forwardly into and through a dumbbell station constructed in accordance with the invention. As would be appreciated by those of skill in the art, it is possible to back into a staging station and exit by walking forwardly, or, to back into one side of a staging station and to exit by backing out the other side of the staging station.

In FIG. 8, tiers 66, 67, 56, 57 are inwardly oriented because they face and open toward and are readily accessible by an individual 22 standing in the second staging station between towers 52 and 53. Tiers 55 and 65, on the other hand, are outwardly oriented because they face and open away from and are not readily accessible by an individual 22 standing in the second staging station between towers 52 and 53.

When matched dumbbell pairs 59-69 and 60-70 are in the orientation depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, the center of gravity of each dumbbell 59, 69 60, 70 ordinarily is located in the bar on which the cylindrical weights are mounted and is located in the bar midway between the outer ends of the bar.

FIG. 10 illustrated the power zone, indicated by arrows P, for a woman 100 of average height (about five feet), and, the power zone, indicated by arrows Q, for a man 200 of average height (about six feet).

Unless reasons exist to the contrary, judicial notice is taken of the following facts:

-   1. A long standing dominant trend in the exercise equipment market     is to store an array of dumbbells on a single-tier, twin-tier, or     three-tier rack. -   2. A long standing dominant trend in the exercise equipment market     is to store dumbbells on a rack which stores the dumbbells such that     a user will stand adjacent the rack and reach forwardly away from     the front of the user's body to grasp and remove the dumbbells from     the rack. -   3. The large majority of prior art references describing dumbbell     racks disclose dumbbell racks which stores the dumbbells such that a     user will stand adjacent the rack and reach forwardly away from the     front of the user's body to grasp and remove the dumbbells from the     rack. -   4. A long standing dominant trend in the exercise equipment market     is to store dumbbells on a rack which, practically speaking,     provides a single access point and only allows one individual at a     time to access the rack. -   5. A long standing dominant trend in the exercise equipment market     is to position dumbbell racks against a wall. -   6. A long standing dominant trend in the exercise equipment market     is to limit access to a dumbbell rack to only one side of the rack. -   7. A long standing dominant trend in the exercise equipment market     is to limit access to a dumbbell rack to a long side of the rack,     the opposite broad side of the rack often abutting a wall. -   8. A long standing dominant trend in the exercise market is to store     dumbbells on a rack such that after a user removes one or more     dumbbells from the rack, the user moves away—initially walking     backwards—from the rack to perform an exercise with the dumbbells. -   9. The large majority of prior art references describing dumbbell     racks disclose dumbbell racks which anticipate that after a user     removes one or more dumbbells from the rack, the user moves     away—initially walking backwards—from the rack to perform an     exercise with the dumbbells. -   10. A long standing dominant trend in the exercise market is often     to store dumbbells on racks that require an individual to bend over     to grasp and remove one or more dumbbells from the rack. -   11. A long standing dominant trend in the exercise market is often     to store dumbbells on racks that require an individual to reach     outside his or her power zone to grasp and remove one or more     dumbbells from the rack. -   12. When an individual is standing with his or her arms at their     side, the power zone is an area that is adjacent the individual's     body and extends from the knuckles up to nipple level. Adjacent the     body means within twelve inches of the individual's body, preferably     within ten inches, and most preferably within eight inches. -   13. A long standing dominant trend in the exercise market is to     store on a rack a pair of dumbbells of equivalent weight in close     proximity to each other. -   14. There are no prior art references illustrating a dumbbell rack     system in which one dumbbell in a matched pair of dumbbells each of     equivalent weight is stored on a first vertically oriented rack     tower and the second dumbbell in the matched pair is stored on a     second vertically oriented rack tower that is spaced apart and     separate from the first rack tower a distance sufficient for a     person to stand (a) with his or her body between the first and     second rack towers and between the pair of dumbbells, and (b) such     that each of the pair of dumbbells is adjacent a different side of     the individual and can be grasped with a different hand of the     individual. -   15. There are no prior art references illustrating a unitary     dumbbell rack module including a pair of interconnected rack towers     spaced a distance apart sufficient for an individual to walk forward     between and past the towers. -   16. There are no prior art references illustrating a unitary     dumbbell rack module including a pair of interconnected vertical     members that form rack towers on which a dumbbell shelf is situated     including a component that can be articulated whereby an individual     can rotate the component and dumbbell in a horizontal plane. -   17. There are no prior art references illustrating a unitary     dumbbell rack module which includes a plurality of matched pairs of     dumbbells, each pair comprising two dumbbells of equivalent weight,     such that a plurality of individuals can simultaneously utilize said     module by each grasping and removing a different pair of said     matched pairs. -   18. There are no prior art references illustrating a dumbbell rack     storing multiple matched pairs of dumbbells at different elevations     such that the individuals are able to maintain each pair of     dumbbells in the individual's power zone when he or she performs     removal from and placement of dumbbells from the rack. -   19. The fact that an invention is disclosed in a patent does not     necessarily mean that the invention was successful in the relevant     market. -   20. Many patented or otherwise published inventions never reach the     relevant market. -   21. If a patented or published invention is not utilized in the     relevant market, the patented invention may have no or little affect     on market trends and/or may only comprise a subservient trend that     is ignored by the members of the relevant market. -   22. If a patented or published invention is not utilized in the     relevant market, members of the relevant market may not, in reality,     even be aware of the invention. -   23. If a patented or published invention is not utilized in the     relevant market, that may make it less likely that the invention     provides any significant impetus toward developing a different     invention disclosed in a pending patent application. -   24. Common sense judgment requires that valid reasoning justifying     such judgment be set forth. -   25. There is no identified motivation or problem in the exercise     equipment art that provides significant impetus for the development     of the invention. Conventional dumbbell storage racks have long been     accepted. -   26. There is no identified motivation or problem in the exercise     equipment art that suggests a readily apparent specific set of     solutions, one of which is the invention. Conventional dumbbell     storage racks have long been accepted. -   27. There is no identified motivation or problem in the exercise     equipment art that suggests altering or adding to the conventional     dumbbells storage racks. Conventional dumbbell storage racks have     long been accepted. -   28. The TSM (teaching-suggestion-motivation) test, per KSR, can     provide helpful insight into evaluating the obviousness of the     invention. -   29. There is no reason not to use the TSM test in evaluating the     obviousness of the invention described and claimed herein. -   30. Making something better is a broad, general, long-existing     motivation that applies to most, if not all, inventions. Broad,     general, long-existing motivations likely provide little significant     impetus to produce an invention. For example, in the exercise     machine art, one broad, general, long-existing motivation is to make     exercise machines versatile, so that more than one exercise can be     produced on an exercise machine. This motivation may provide impetus     to make obvious modifications to a machine, but provides little     significant impetus to produce an invention. If, on the other hand,     an exercise machine produces a greater than normal number of     injuries, such a problem is more specific and provides stronger     impetus to improve the machine. -   31. One particular unexpected and unpredicted benefit discovered     after the invention was developed is that the force exerted on the     lumbar region of the spine is significantly reduced whereby the     potential for injury and/or further injury to said region becomes     negligible. -   32. Another particular unexpected and unpredicted benefit discovered     after the invention was developed is that ability to configure     modules to fit in different sized or shaped floor areas to     facilitate different exercise routines and to facilitate use by more     than one individual. -   33. Definitions of common sense are set forth below, along with an     indication of how the terminology “common sense” is utilized herein. -   A. The People In Common (PIC) definition: “The earth is flat”.     -   One definition of common sense is what people in common would         agree upon, that which they “sense” as their common natural         understanding or would consider in most people's experience to         be prudent and of sound judgment. This definition assumes a         country with a population with a particular baseline language,         customs and knowledge. The baseline knowledge is knowledge         available and known by a large majority of the population, and         is knowledge that typically does not require specialized         knowledge or study; such baseline knowledge can change over time         depending on the success of educational institutions, changing         societal climes, etc. Under the people in common (PIC)         definition, common sense often has been wrong and, for example,         at one time held that the earth was flat. Even today it         evidently is estimated that 60% of the people on earth believe         the sun revolves around the earth. Others today use common sense         to make the judgment that heavier bodies fall faster than light         bodies. -   B. The Common Man Sound Judgment (CMSJ) definition.     -   A second definition of common sense is sound judgment based on a         simple perception of the situation or facts. Sound judgment         means sensible judgment based on valid reasoning. This suggests         that a common sense judgment, if reliable, is subject to         evaluation to see if there are reasons or criteria that support         and justify the judgment. This definition assumes a country with         a population with a particular baseline language, customs and         knowledge. The baseline knowledge is knowledge available and         known by a large majority of the population, and is knowledge         that typically does not require specialized knowledge or study;         such baseline knowledge can change over time depending on the         success of educational institutions, changing societal climes,         etc. What might be common sense to an American might not be         common sense to a person living in another country. An         individual could move to the United States from India and what         might appear common sense to an American would, because of the         culture of India, make absolutely no sense to the Indian. In         evaluating obviousness, however, it is usually, for better or         worse, assumed that the Indian has the same baseline knowledge         as individuals who have grown up in the United States. -   C. The Ordinary Skill Sound Judgment (OSSJ) definition.     -   A third definition of common sense is sound judgment by one of         ordinary skill in the art based on a perception of the situation         or facts in the context of the baseline knowledge in CMSJ and of         specialized knowledge that is over and above said baseline         knowledge and is attributed to one of ordinary skill in the art.         As noted, sound judgment means sensible judgment based on valid         reasoning. This suggests that a common sense judgment by one of         ordinary skill in the art is, if reliable, subject to evaluation         to see if there are reasons or criteria that support and justify         the judgment. This definition assumes a country with a         population with a particular baseline language, customs and         knowledge. The baseline knowledge and specialized knowledge         comprise knowledge available and known by a large majority of         those of skill in the art; such baseline knowledge and         specialized knowledge can change over time depending on the         success of educational institutions, advances in the art,         changing societal climes, etc. What might be common sense to an         American of ordinary skill in the art might not be common sense         to a person that lives in another country and appears to be one         of ordinary skill in the art. In evaluating obviousness,         however, it is usually, for better or worse, assumed that the         person of ordinary skill in the art from India has the same         baseline knowledge as individuals of skill in the art who have         grown up in the United States. In some technically simple         inventions, the ordinary skill sound judgment (OSSJ) may be         commensurate with common man sound judgment (CMSJ) because there         is little if any specialized knowledge required. For example, a         new Christmas tree ornament design might not require any         particular specialized knowledge over and above the baseline         knowledge of the large majority of people. In contrast, many         inventions obviously require a specialized knowledge over and         above commonly held baseline knowledge, in which case such         specialized knowledge will be utilized in the sound reasoning         involved in ordinary skill sound judgment common sense.     -   As used herein, relying on common sense judgment requires that         valid reasoning justifying such judgment be set forth. Hence,         the common man sound judgment (CMSJ) and ordinary skill sound         judgment (OSSJ) definitions are generally relied on herein with         respect to determining the obviousness of an invention. Further,         in evaluating the obviousness of the invention it is believed         some specialized knowledge over and above the baseline knowledge         is required; namely, at least some knowledge in connection with         the construction and use of dumbbell storage racks. CMSJ and         OSSJ common sense do not appear reasonably to suggest the         invention. -   34. Trends. As used herein a trend is a general inclination or     tendency. A trend generally (1) occurs over an extended period of     time, (2) occurs by or within a large number of individual in the     pertinent art, and (3) is demonstrated by a significant number of     references. With respect to (1) above in this paragraph, a general     inclination that lasts a short period of time, for example a day or     a month, typically does not constitute a trend. With respect to (2)     above in this paragraph, if only a few individuals demonstrate a     general inclination or tendency, thus such typically does not     comprise a trend. With respect to (3) above in this paragraph, if     there are only a few documents that demonstrate a particular     inclination or tendency, such typically does not demonstrate a     trend. -    The weight or importance of a trend in leading to an invention is     evaluated by (1) evaluating the length of time during which the     trend has existed, (2) the number of individuals that believed or     followed the trend, (3) the number of references that describe the     trend, (4) the existence of other similar or related trends that     might obfuscate a trend and make it unlikely to lead to the     invention, and (5) the existence of countervailing trends. If a     trend is “buried” among many comparable trends in the art, it     becomes more unlikely that one of ordinary skill will notice or     utilize the trend. If a trend is overshadowed by countervailing     trends, it becomes more unlikely that one of ordinary skill will     notice of utilize the trend. There appears to be no reasonable     explanation of some trend that would lead to the invention described     herein. There appears to be no market need or trend directing a     particular solution in such respects, much less somehow suggesting     the invention. -   35. Equivalents. As used herein, an equivalent is a structure or a     system that is functionally or structurally equivalent to another     structure or system. In determining whether it is obvious to     substitute one “equivalent” for another, the following must be     evaluated. First, is what is being substituted truly an equivalent?     Is it functionally or structurally equivalent to what is being     replaced? Second, if the equivalent is functionally or structurally     equivalent, is it only structurally equivalent or only functionally     equivalent? If it is only one or the other, this reduces the     likelihood the equivalent would be used. Third, did the equivalent,     or the invention, have to be modified to use the equivalent? If so,     this reduces the likelihood the equivalent would be utilized.     Fourth, is it likely the equivalent would be considered by one of     ordinary skill in the art? If a new Christmas ornament utilizes a     laminate including an outer protection coating from a prior     Christmas ornament and substitutes that coating as an “equivalent”     for the outer protective coating in another known Christmas     ornament, then it arguably is likely that such a substitution would     be considered by one of skill in the art. On the other hand, if the     first substitute coating is normally found in a nuclear reactor in a     submarine, it may be very unlikely, almost incredible, that such a     coating would be considered and a substitution would be made. Simply     stating that it would be known by one of skill in the art to     substitute an equivalent is not, without providing reasons, believed     sufficient. Otherwise such a generalized rationale could be used to     invalidate most, if not all, patents known to man. -   36. Importance of Problem or Motivation. The weight or importance of     a problem or motivation in leading to an invention is apprised by     evaluating by (1) how long the problem has existed, (2) the     importance, and hence the driving force, of the problem or     motivation, (3) whether the problem or motivation reasonably     suggests the invention, (4) whether the motivation reasonably     suggests a set of solutions of which the invention is one, (5) the     trends, if any, produced by the problem or motivation, and (6) other     solutions produced in response to the motivation or problem. With     respect to (1) above in this paragraph, if a problem has long     existed without producing a solution, that suggests the invention is     not obvious. With respect to (2) above in this paragraph, if the     problem appears to have little significance, that suggests it is not     driving those of skill in the art toward the invention. With respect     to (3) above, if the problem suggests a solution other than the     invention, this suggests the problem is not driving those of skill     in the art toward the invention. With respect to (4) above in this     paragraph, if the problem suggests a set of solutions other than the     invention, this suggest the problem is not leading toward the     invention. With respect to (5) above, if the prevailing trends lead     away from the invention or reinforce other solutions to the     invention, that suggest the problem has not presented the invention     as a solution. With respect to (6) above in this paragraph, other     solutions may reinforce the idea that the art is satisfied with the     status quo and not interested in alternate solutions. -   37. Level of Ordinary Skill in the Exercise Equipment Art.

A. Type of Problems Encountered in the Art.

Typical long existing problems associated with prior art dumbbell storage racks are cost of manufacture, simplicity of construction and use, non-ergonomic design, durability, and adjustment of the position of dumbbells in front of the user.

B. Prior Art Solutions to Problems.

Typical, long-existing solutions to problems associated with a prior art dumbbell storage rack are utilization of a simple, durable, easy-to-assemble units which can have adjustable support members to vary the location of dumbbells in front of a user.

Since dumbbells have existed for many years, the market has functioned to winnow out and determine the kinds of dumbbell storage racks that survive. Today, and for some time, there has been one basic kind of dumbbell rack in the market. This rack comprises a substantially rigid stand with fixed platforms or surfaces on which a dumbbell is set. The support surfaces can, for example, be flat, be sloped, be arcuate and “cradle” the bottom of a dumbbell; regardless, the dumbbell rack comprises a substantially rigid, fixed stand.

C. Rapidity with Which Innovations are Made.

The appearance of innovations in the market appears unusually slow. The basic dumbbell rack design noted above has dominated the market for at least fifty (50) years.

D. Acceptance of Innovations in the Art.

Innovations in the art generally appear to be accepted slowly. This is believed in part to be because of the focus on behalf of fitness equipment manufacturers to develop motorized equipment (i.e., treadmills and elliptical machines) and selectorized equipment, dominance of the basic dumbbell rack design in the market, and because free weights are preferably stored on fixed, rigid racks.

E. Patents.

The prosecution and issuance of a patent often is an isolated event which concerns a product that has no effect in the markets, does not reach the market, fails in the market, or is not consciously taken into serious consideration by those of ordinary skill in the art. In such instance, a patent or patent application supplies little, if any, impetus to innovate.

F. Sophistication of the Technology.

A dumbbell storage rack typically comprises parts made from metal, polymers, or other material utilizing well known manufacturing techniques. A dumbbell storage rack ordinarily is of simple construction. Consequently, as a general rule the technology is not sophisticated.

G. Education of Active Workers in the Field

The education level of individuals that manufacture or utilize a dumbbell storage rack can range from a middle school education to a college education. Few professional baseball players or other professional athletes gain a college degree and these individuals utilize dumbbell storage racks as part of their daily regimen of fitness activity. A large percentage of individuals that utilize a dumbbell storage rack are teenagers that have not yet graduated high school and are involved in sports. However, an increasing number of individuals, considered “baby boomers”, are participating in free weight exercise.

The education level of individuals that manufacture or design dumbbell storage racks can vary from an elementary school education to a college education. And the segregated nature of such individual knowledge can range from those in the fields of, but not limited to, ergonomics, engineering, industrial design, cognitive science, and anthropology. The large majority of dumbbell storage racks utilize metal shelves and other components that are produced using long utilized conventional manufacturing techniques. Many dumbbell storage racks are produced in territories such as China or other outsourcing rich countries that utilize poorly paid laborers who have a minimal amount of education.

H. Innovation Training of Active Workers in the Field

Some fields of endeavor, for example engineering, specifically encourage innovation. Other fields of endeavor do not focus on innovation. An individual utilizing a dumbbell storage rack normally is not encouraged to innovate but is only encouraged to properly utilize or assemble the storage rack.

I. Ordinary Creativity

The person of ordinary skill in the art is also a person of ordinary creativity, not an automaton.

J. Worker of Ordinary Skill in the Art

Consequently, a worker of ordinary skill in the art

-   (1) Is aware of typical long existing problems associated with prior     art dumbbell storage racks. -   (2) Is aware of typical long existing solutions to long existing     problems associated with prior art dumbbell storage racks. -   (3) Realizes that the appearance of dumbbell storage rack     innovations in the market is slow. -   (4) Is aware that one basic kind of dumbbell storage rack has     dominated the market; namely, a substantially rigid unit with fixed     support surfaces and dumbbells positioned in front of an individual. -   (5) Realizes that innovations in dumbbell storage racks ordinarily     are accepted slowly and do not survive in the market. -   (6) Ordinarily does not have a high degree of sophistication with     respect to the manufacture, assembly, and use of prior art dumbbell     storage racks, in particular with respect to such racks that are     actually present in the market. -   (7) Has, in the majority of cases, not graduated high school. -   (8) Normally is not encouraged to innovate. -   (9) Is a person of ordinary creativity. -   (10) Has accepted a primary industry recognized problem as having to     do with storing weights, and thus attempting to innovate on a     product-centered problem (as in managing a fitness facility) has     taken priority over recognizing a user-centered solution.

(11) Accords a lesser amount of importance to industry recognized problems more associated with user safety and ergonomics whereby any innovations directed at such problems have often failed to be accepted in the market place. 

1. (canceled)
 2. A method for first and second individuals to prepare for and conduct an exercise simultaneously using dumbbells while minimizing the risk of injury during the acquisition, use, and return of the dumbbells, each of the individuals having a power zone, first and second sides, and a pair of hands, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing a first staging station including (i) a first side, (ii) a second side, (iii) a first tower including at least first and second generally horizontally oriented support tiers, said first tier at a first elevation in a inward orientation, said second tier spaced apart from said first tier and at a second elevation different from said first elevation and in an inward orientation, (iv) a second tower including at least third and fourth generally horizontally inwardly oriented support tiers, said third tier at said first elevation in an inward orientation, said fourth tier spaced apart from said third tier and at said second elevation in an inward orientation, said second tower spaced apart from said first tower such that an individual can walk from said first side to a position between said first and second towers with the individual's entire body in a space intermediate said first and second towers, said first and third tiers, and said second and fourth tiers, and access said first and third tiers and said second and fourth tiers, and (v) a plurality of dumbbells each having a center of gravity, including a first pair of dumbbells of equivalent shape, dimension, and weight, each of said first pair mounted on a different one of said first and third support tiers such that said center of gravity of each of said dumbbells mounted on said first and third tiers is at an elevation above the ground in the power zone of each individual, and said first pair of dumbbells are generally parallel to one another, and including a second pair of dumbbells of equivalent shape, dimension, and weight, each of said second pair mounted on a different one of said second and fourth support tiers such that said center of gravity of each of said dumbbells mounted on said second and fourth tiers is at an elevation above the ground, and said second pair of dumbbells are generally parallel to one another; (b) providing a second staging station including (i) a primary side, (ii) a secondary side, (iii) a third tower including at least fifth and sixth generally horizontally oriented support tiers, said fifth tier at a primary elevation in a inward orientation, said sixth tier spaced apart from said fifth tier and at a secondary elevation different from said primary elevation and in an outward orientation, (iv) a fourth tower including at least a seventh generally horizontally inwardly oriented support tier, said seventh tier at said primary elevation in an inward orientation, said third tower spaced apart from said fourth tower such that an individual can walk from said primary side to a position between said third and fourth towers with the individual's entire body in a space intermediate said third and fourth towers, access said fifth and seventh tiers, and walk out from between said third and fourth towers to said secondary side, (v) a plurality of dumbbells each having a center of gravity, including a third pair of dumbbells of equivalent shape, dimension, and weight, each of said third pair mounted on a different one of said fifth and seventh support tiers such that said center of gravity of each of said dumbbells mounted on said fifth and seventh tiers is at an elevation above the ground in the power zone of the individual, and said third pair of dumbbells are generally parallel to one another, and including a fourth pair of dumbbells of equivalent shape, dimension, and weight, each of said fourth pair mounted on said sixth tier adjacent one another; (c) positioning said second staging station normal to said first staging station on said second side of said first staging station such that said sixth tier is accessible to an individual standing in said first staging station between said first and third tiers; (d) having a first individual walk from said first side of said first staging station into said first staging station between said first and third tiers and grasp said fourth pair of dumbbells; and (e) simultaneously with said first individual walking into said first staging station, having a second individual walk into said second staging station, grasp said third pair of dumbbells, and walk out of said second staging station.
 3. (canceled) 